Three Arrested After Auto Theft-Turned Chase Past Laramie

Three suspects were arrested for attempting to steal a vehicle from Colorado during yesterday's brutal winter storm. The events occurred when blizzarding conditions had settled over much of SE Wyoming, making for hazardous travel weather for any driver on the road, much less ones engaged in a high-speed attempt at auto theft. However, the dangerous conditions didn't stop the driver from approaching near triple digits in their attempt to flee with the stolen vehicle. Wyoming Highway Patrol reported the incident on its Facebook Page at 2:00 a.m. this morning. (Note: The post also mentions the road ongoing road closures on I-80)

WHP Report:

"...this evening a stolen vehicle out of Colorado was reported to be in the area of Laramie, Wyoming, heading west on I-80. The vehicle was observed traveling near triple digits prior to law enforcement contact. Troopers in the area attempted to stop the stolen vehicle. The suspects in the stolen vehicle attempted to flee. heading southwest of Wamsutter on dirt roads, and going through fences. After the suspect vehicle could no longer be used. The three occupants fled on foot (not sure where they planned to go in this weather). All three suspects were found and arrested. Numerous charges are pending. Two pictures from the incident have been added."

As indicated by the post, the suspects attempted to flee on foot after the stolen vehicle ceased working - the post does not indicate if the vehicle ran out of gas or was stalled by conditions. Photos of the incident show the vehicle missing a tire and stalled on what appears to be a dirt road or field.

The suspects currently face "numerous charges," according to the post. At this time, a WHP representative could not provide KGAB News with a comment regarding the charges and estimates updates will be available on Monday, November 27.

This story will be updated as more information arises.

2022's Deadliest Wyoming County by Traffic Deaths

While car crashes can occur anywhere, some roads in Wyoming are more dangerous than others.

According to Wyoming Highway Patrol data, there were 117 fatal crashes in the Cowboy State in 2022 resulting in 133 deaths.

Of those fatal crashes, the majority (13.68%) occurred in Laramie County -- two in January, one in February, one in March, two in April, one in June, two in July, three in August, two in September, one in November, and one in December.

Sweetwater County saw the second most fatal crashes last year, 12, while Fremont and Lincoln counties each saw 10.

Albany and Park counties each recorded eight, and Campbell, Converse, and Natrona counties each tallied seven.

The deadliest 2022 crash in Laramie County took place on June 17 when two semis collided on Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne and immediately became engulfed in flames killing both drivers and a passenger.

Laramie County also saw two fatal crashes involving motorcyclists, two fatal crashes involving juveniles, and a fatal crash involving a pedestrian last year.

Below is the Wyoming Highway Patrol narrative of every fatal crash that occurred in Laramie County in 2022.

Gallery Credit: Joy Greenwald

Source: Three Arrested After Auto Theft-Turned Chase Past Laramie